Los Angeles Waves CC secured a top-two finish in the Sixty Strikes tournament by the National Cricket League (NCL) USA, as they chased down a target of 100 in just 8.4 overs against Chicago CC. Walking in at No. 3, Australia batter Tim David smashes 44 off just 23 balls to lead his team over the finish line. Adam Rossington’s 10-ball 20 provided a flying start, while Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan‘s 4-ball 14 cameo provided a great finish to Los Angeles.

Winning the toss, Los Angeles captain Tymal Mills put Chicago to bat. Despite significant contributions across the order, a total of 99 was managed in 10 overs. Star batters Chris Lynn and Robin Uthappa came to bat at unusually low positions of No. 6 and No. 7, and both failed to get going. Former New Zealand spinner Todd Astle was the chief wicket-taker for Los Angeles, picking up three.

In the run chase, it was Rossington and David’s 63-run partnership that nearly took Los Angeles home. Rossington was forced to retire hurt after 10 balls, however.

Shakib provided the finishing touches for Los Angeles, smashing two sixes in his 4-ball cameo to guide Los Angeles Waves home.

The win for Los Angeles takes them to second spot, as they finish above Texas Gladiators due to a better net-run-rate (NRR). The win for Los Angeles also confirmed the exit of Suresh Raina-led New York Lions CC, who crash out in fifth place.

Despite the defeat, Chicago remained on top of the table in a closely-fought Sixty Strikes league phase.

The two sides will meet again in the Qualifier 1 game.

2011 Cricket World Cup-winner Suresh Raina rolled back the years, slamming a brilliant fifty as New York Lions CC beat Los Angeles Waves CC by 19 runs in the second match of the Sixty Strikes tournament, organised by the National Cricket League, USA. In the 10-over game, Raina smashed 53 off just 28 balls to take his team to a whopping total of 126. Despite a valiant effort, the total proved to be too uphill a task for Los Angeles Waves.

Put into bat by Los Angeles, New York started off on the back foot as opener Asad Shafiq departed for just 3. However, Raina, along with former Sri Lanka opener Upul Tharanga (40 off 23), stitched a brilliant partnership, guiding New York to a healthy total.

They lost just two wickets, posting 126 in 10 overs.

In response, Los Angeles lost Stevie Eskinazi for a golden duck off the first ball. However, significant contributions from Adam Rossington (31 off 15), Tim David (19 off 10) and Joe Burns (17 off 9) brought Los Angeles close, but not enough to cross the line.

Shakib Al Hasan failed to get going, scoring 13 off 16 balls. The Bangladesh all-rounder – who recently played in a 2-0 Test series loss to India – also gave away 18 runs in his only over with the ball.

Young USA bowler Shourya Gaur topped the wickets tally for New York with three wickets, while experienced South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi got two.

New York Lions CC become the second team to win a game in Sixty Strikes, following the win by Texas Gladiators CC in the first match.